How to Pack for Summer Travel
With the promise of air travel looming on the horizon, it’s time to wipe the dust off that Away suitcase and finally get away! Whether you’re planning a weeklong trip to a faraway Greek Island or a weekend trip somewhere local, it’s important to pack smart.
Packing smart reduces any stress leading up to and during the trip. It allows you to be more present on your vacation, so you can spend more time slurping down a fruity frothy drink and less time hunting down the CVS pharmacist because you forgot your allergy medication. It allows you to slip on some ultra-flattering slippy dress in a nanosecond, so you can spend more time reading that clunker of a novel that’s been on your list and less time wondering what to wear.
Packing smart means being an expert planner of outfits, toiletries, shoes, books and snacks (my suitcase would be incomplete without back-up chocolate bars, should the country I’m visiting be entirely lacking in chocolate bars). It also means packing only what you need, including clothes that can make their way into multiple different outfits (looking at you, sarong that can be worn as a skirt and scarf and top). In no particular order, here are my go-to packing tips that will make travel seamless:
Make a Packing List. The easiest way to set yourself up for success (AKA not forget your passport), is to create a packing list on your phone well in advance of the trip. I recommend using the ‘Reminders’ app on the iPhone, which is a super easy-to-use (and satisfying!) tool. And the more you can keep things paperless, the better. Those printed travel itineraries can be saved on a google doc, and edited along the way. Evernote is also an excellent resource for organizing all your notes.
Create Zones in Your Suitcase. The best way to keep your suitcase organized is to designate different areas for different categories. Packing cubes are a very handy and practical way to achieve this, and they can be filled with everything from shirts to socks to swimwear. The travel cubes by Calpak are a cut above the rest, as they have a mesh area that allows you to see exactly what’s inside, and a small envelope pouch for labeling.
Designate a Go-To Location for Your Passport. Whether it’s a nylon pouch or a leather wallet, passports are best contained so you don’t lose track of them. This Zip-Around Travel wallet by Away is sleek and doesn’t scream “tourist.” Also designate a permanent location where travel documents always go regardless of the trip. It requires a bit of mental training, but will save you from unnecessary panic.
Pack Outfits, Not Clothes. The best way to stay organized is to avoid cramming your suitcase full of tops and dresses, none of which go with the other clothes in your suitcase. Plan out as many outfits as you can in advance, and pack a few basics that you can weave into multiple outfits (i.e. denim shorts, white t-shirts, tan sandals, sarongs).
Create a Go-To Travel Dopp Kit. Save yourself the hassle of repeatedly packing your toiletries by using a pre-stocked dopp kit. Make sure it’s packed with all the essentials that you also use regularly at home (e.g. eye pillow, ear plugs, face cream). This way you won’t forget any of the important stuff, knowing it’s all been accounted for in advance. Roller Rabbit’s Toiletry Cases are not only adorable, but they stock more than you’d expect and are also waterproof.